Pilot Debrief

Robinson R44 near Salinas, CA — 2018-10-07

Final reportWPR19LA002
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Date
2018-10-07
Location
Salinas, CA, USA
Aircraft
Robinson R44
Registration
N611TH
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power after takeoff due to faulty wiring to the engine governor.

NTSB narrative

Shortly after takeoff, as the pilot turned the helicopter onto the crosswind leg of the traffic pattern, he noticed an “immediate low rotor speed,” a loss of engine power, and the helicopter yawed to the left. The pilot increased power; however, both the engine and rotor rpm continued to decrease rapidly. The pilot lowered the collective to regain and maintain rotor rpm and initiated an autorotation to an agricultural field. The helicopter landed hard, and a rotor blade severed the tail boom. The pilot stated that he experienced the same malfunctions twice during a flight about 3 months before the accident (low rotor speed and loss of engine power). During this flight, he was able to land the helicopter without incident. A postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed faulty wiring to the engine governor. Because of the faulty wiring, the governor was likely unable to sense rotor and engine rpm and make the necessary adjustments to keep rotor rpm constant, resulting in a loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight after previous malfunctions.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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